Due to their complex nature, verbs that start with U are really important for all of us to learn. One may ask about the reason that lies behind the complexity of verbs that begin with U.
To answer this question we need to first analyze the prefix un- which comes at the start of majority of verbs that start with U.
Ever since Old English, the un- prefix has come in two basic flavors. It can be used like the word “not” to negate adjectives (unkind, uncertain, unfair, etc.) and the occasional nouns (unreason, unrest, unemployment, etc.). Or it can get attached to a verb to indicate the reversal of an action (unbend, unfasten, unmask, etc.).
Another interesting thing to note is that the prefix un- is getting pressed into service for all sorts of new verbs — particularly in the English novels, where following, friending, and favoriting can be instantly reversed by unfollowing, unfriending, and unfavoriting.
Most of the verbs that start with U given in this article start with the prefix un- for example, unhinge, unstring, unnail, unhook, unbalance, unbelt, unbenumb, unbethink, etc. Hence you must maintain a thorough focus while learning them. Let us now go through the list of action words starting with U.
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Verbs That Start with U You Always Use
If you are a novice who is just starting to learn English, here are some verbs that start with U that are rather common and can be used in everyday situations.
1. Use
- Definition: take, hold, or deploy something as a means of accomplishing or achieving something
- Synonyms: utilize, employ
- Example: Men and women use their brains differently.
2. Unbelt
- Definition: remove or undo the belt of (a garment)
- Synonyms: undo, unfasten
- Example: He unbelted his kimono.
3. Unbalance
- Definition: make someone or something unsteady so that they tip or fall
- Synonyms: unsettle
- Example: The door almost unbalanced him by swinging open.
4. Utilize
- Definition: make practical and effective use of.
- Synonyms: use, employ, exercise
- Example: Vitamin C helps your body utilize the iron present in your diet.
5. Unhinge
- Definition: make someone mentally unbalanced
- Synonyms: derange, dement, unbalance
- Example: The loneliness had nearly unhinged him.
6. Utter
- Definition: make a sound with one’s voice
- Synonyms: emit, pronounce, speak
- Example: Jim uttered an exasperated snort.
7. Unsaddle
- Definition: to take the saddle off a horse
- Synonyms: take away, remove
- Example: I asked one of the boys to unsaddle the horse.
8. Unknot
- Definition: release or untie the knot or knots
- Synonyms: separate, disunite
- Example: Chris swiftly unknotted his tie.
9. Up
- Definition: increase a level or amount
- Synonyms: exalt, rise
- Example: Capacity will be upped by 70 per cent next year.
10. Unstring
- Definition: remove from a string
- Synonyms: untie, undo
- Example: Carefully undo the knots in the leather and unstring the beads.
Verbs That Start with U You Usually Use
Following are some of the verbs starting with U that we usually use in our day-to-day talks and writings. So, keep reading and decide for yourself whether or not you recognize them.
1. Uncurl
- Definition: straighten or cause to straighten from a curled position
- Synonyms: straighten, uncoil
- Example: In spring the new leaves uncurl.
2. Undeceive
- Definition: tell someone that an idea or belief is mistaken
- Synonyms: expose, refute
- Example: They took her for a nun and Mary said nothing to undeceive them.
3. Uninstall
- Definition: remove an application or file from a computer.
- Synonyms: remove, delete
- Example: To uninstall this demo, double-click the Remove icon.
4. Upload
- Definition: transfer data from one computer to another, typically to one that is larger or remote from the user or functioning as a server
- Synonyms: send, transmit
- Example: You can upload your prepared text now.
5. Urinate
- Definition: discharge urine
- Synonyms: pee, piddle
- Example: Remember to urinate every 2 hours.
6. Underline
- Definition: draw a line under (a word or phrase) to give emphasis or indicate special type
- Synonyms: accentuate, emphasize, highlight
- Example: Certain phrases have been underlined in the text.
7. Unfold
- Definition: to spread or straighten out
- Synonyms: expand, extend
- Example: If we unfold the table we can fit eight people around it.
8. Unsettle
- Definition: cause to feel anxious or uneasy; disturb.
- Synonyms: distract, disturb, distress
- Example: The crisis has unsettled financial markets.
9. Unclothe
- Definition: remove the clothes from oneself or someone else
- Synonyms: undress
- Example: I unclothe my dress after coming back home.
10. Unpick
- Definition: undo the sewing of
- Synonyms: undo, untangle
- Example: I unpicked the seams of his trousers.
Verbs That Start with U You Often Use
This section contains verbs beginning with U, which are often used, and you might already know some of these. Try and use these verbs into your own phrases and sentences.
1. Unbar
- Definition: remove the bars from a gate or door
- Synonyms: unlock, unhook
- Example: I unbarred the gate.
2. Undermine
- Definition: lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually or insidiously
- Synonyms: weaken, enfeeble, debilitate
- Example: This could undermine years of hard work.
3. Unveil
- Definition: show or announce publicly for the first time
- Synonyms: reveal, disclose
- Example: The Home Secretary has unveiled plans to crack down on crime.
4. Uncrate
- Definition: remove something from a crate
- Synonyms: unbox, empty, unlade
- Example: Uncrate the glassed carefully!
5. Unlearn
- Definition: discard something learned, especially a bad habit or false or outdated information from one’s memory
- Synonyms: disremember, forget
- Example: Teachers are being asked to unlearn rigid rules for labelling and placing children.
6. Unseat
- Definition: cause someone to fall from a horse or bicycle
- Synonyms: dislodge, dismount
- Example: Rawhide unseated Kevin Bradley at the first fence.
7. Untwist
- Definition: open or cause to open from a twisted position
- Synonyms: unravel, unsnarl, unwind
- Example: Joseph untwisted the wire and straightened it out.
8. Unnail
- Definition: to remove or take out the nails from
- Synonyms: undo, unfasten, loosen
- Example: Unnail the boards from a fence.
9. Unhitch
- Definition: to free from or as if from being hitched
- Synonyms: unhook, unfasten
- Example: He unhitched the side of the trailer.
10. Uncoil
- Definition: straighten or cause to straighten from a coiled or curled position
- Synonyms: unroll, unwind
- Example: The rope uncoiled like a snake.
Verbs That Start with U You Sometimes Use
These are some verbs starting with letter U that might not be so common to everyone and so are used sometimes. Keep reading if you want to add some new verbs to your vocabulary.
1. Underscore
- Definition: to emphasize the importance something
- Synonyms: emphasize, stress
- Example: The Labor Department figures underscore the shaky state of the economic recovery.
2. Unmask
- Definition: expose the true character of or hidden truth about
- Synonyms: confess, disclose, discover
- Example: The trial unmasked him as a complete charlatan.
3. Unstick
- Definition: cause to become no longer stuck together
- Synonyms: break up, relax
- Example: I slowly began to try and unstick my eyes.
4. Uncouple
- Definition: disconnect something, especially a railway vehicle that has been coupled to another
- Synonyms: detach, undo
- Example: They uncoupled the train engine.
5. Unbridle
- Definition: remove the bridle from a horse
- Synonyms: unsaddle
- Example: Joe unbridled his mare and let her roam.
6. Usurp
- Definition: take the place of (someone in a position of power) illegally;
- Synonyms: overthrow, oust
- Example: The Hanoverian dynasty had usurped the Stuarts.
7. Upsell
- Definition: persuade a customer to buy something additional or more expensive
- Synonyms: push, promote
- Example: When you go to buy an SUV you should be wary of a dealer who attempts to aggressively upsell you things that you do not need.
8. Uproot
- Definition: move (someone) from their home or a familiar location
- Synonyms: displace, unsettle
- Example: My father travelled constantly and uprooted his family several times.
9. Unclog
- Definition: remove accumulated matter from (a drain or other channel)
- Synonyms: loosen, smooth
- Example: Exfoliation unclogs pores and prevents blackheads.
10. Unlace
- Definition: undo the laces of a shoe or garment
- Synonyms: unbrace, untie
- Example: Kenny unlaced her boots.
Verbs That Start with U You Occasionally Use
These are some verb words that start with U that you may or may not be familiar with. Focus a little more on the verbs that you are encountering for the very first time.
1. Urbanize
- Definition: make or become urban in character
- Synonyms: change, modify
- Example: That Island has recently been urbanized.
2. Usher
- Definition: show or guide someone somewhere
- Synonyms: direct, guide, lead
- Example: A waiter ushered me to a table.
3. Upholster
- Definition: provide furniture with a soft, padded covering
- Synonyms: pad, stuff, cushion, pillow
- Example: The chairs were upholstered in red velvet.
4. Universalize
- Definition: bring into universal use; make available for all
- Synonyms: generalize, popularize
- Example: Malala is making a lot of efforts to universalize basic education for girls.
5. Unpleat
- Definition: to remove the plaits of; to smooth
- Synonyms: unfold, uncurl
- Example: She was absently unpleating her skirt between her fingers.
6. Undervalue
- Definition: rate something insufficiently; fail to appreciate
- Synonyms: underestimate, underrate
- Example: Don’t undervalue Jim’s contribution to the research.
7. Undersell
- Definition: sell something at a lower price than a competitor
- Synonyms: engross, monopolize
- Example: We can equal or undersell mail order.
8. Uncloak
- Definition: uncover; reveal
- Synonyms: bring to light, go public, disclose
- Example: I shall uncloak the mystery.
9. Underbid
- Definition: (in an auction) make a lower bid than someone
- Synonyms: bid, bargain, negotiate
- Example: They were underbid by competitors who charged less.
10. Unjoin
- Definition: detach; separate
- Synonyms: unfasten, disconnect
- Example: Then they open their eyes, and attempt to unravel the knot they’ve made, without unjoining their hands.
Verbs That Start with U You Seldom Use
There are so many words in English, and so it is normal not to be aware of all of them. These are some of the action verbs starting with U that we seldom come across.
1. Unmuzzle
- Definition: allow (a person or the press) to express their views freely and without censorship.
- Synonyms: allow, permit, authorize
- Example: Biden administration should unmuzzle that journalist immediately.
2. Underbear
- Definition: support, endure
- Synonyms: brace, bear
- Example: The dome was Underbore by a hundred white columns.
3. Underlay
- Definition: place something under (something else), especially to support or raise it
- Synonyms: back, bolster
- Example: The green fields are underlaid with limestone.
4. Unfreeze
- Definition: thaw or cause to thaw
- Synonyms: thaw, melt
- Example: I unfreeze the chicken before cooking it.
5. Unplait
- Definition: to undo or unbraid (plaited hair)
- Synonyms: loose, free
- Example: I went in while unbraiding my hair.
6. Unshackle
- Definition: release from shackles, chains, or other physical restraints
- Synonyms: save, rescue, free
- Example: They were unshackled and released.
7. Unbethink
- Definition: To change the mind of (one’s self)
- Synonyms: rethink, reconsider, reevaluate
- Example: Jim Ross unbethought himself.
8. Unbewitch
- Definition: To free from a curse or enchantment
- Synonyms: disenchant, free
- Example: Amber Moon unbewitched me from Donna’s spell.
9. Understudy
- Definition: study (a role or actor) as an understudy
- Synonyms: study, imitate, analyze
- Example: I had to understudy Prospero.
10. Undomesticate
- Definition: to make undomestic, to undo the taming of
- Synonyms: untame
- Example: Alan Murphy undomesticated his only cat.
Positive Verbs That Start with U
Do you want to acquaint yourself with some positive verbs? Go through the list of positive verbs that start with U given below. This list contains some interesting verbs that you would love to learn and use.
1. Unite
- Definition: come or bring together for a common purpose or action
- Synonyms: combine, conjugate, connect
- Example: We will unite in fighting crime.
2. Uphold
- Definition: confirm or support something which has been questioned
- Synonyms: confirm, endorse
- Example: The court upheld his claim for damages.
3. Upgrade
- Definition: to improve the quality or usefulness of something
- Synonyms: advance, elevate, promote
- Example: The cost of upgrading each workstation is around £300.
4. Uplift
- Definition: raise the level of; improve
- Synonyms: boost, crane, elevate
- Example: The refreshing smell of essential oils like lavender and peppermint can instantly uplift your mood.
5. Unearth
- Definition: find (something) in the ground by digging
- Synonyms: disinter, discover, exhume
- Example: Workmen unearthed an ancient artillery shell.
6. Unburden
- Definition: relieve someone of something that is causing them anxiety or distress
- Synonyms: disburden, discharge
- Example: He’ll unburden himself to anyone who’ll listen.
7. Upstand
- Definition: to face difficulty with courage
- Synonyms: stand, rise
- Example: Philip upstands to every trouble that comes his way.
8. Unify
- Definition: make or become united, uniform, or whole
- Synonym: unite, merge, fuse
- Example: The creation of the national railroad system unified the country.
9. Upcheer
- Definition: to cheer up; to become happier
- Synonyms: enliven, motivate, encourage
- Example: Jack always upcheers his loved ones.
10. Unionize
- Definition: become or cause to become members of a trade union
- Synonyms: coordinate, organize, prepare
- Example: They’re about to launch a campaign to unionize workers at all major discount supermarkets in the area.
Verbs That Start with U to Describe a Person
Following are some of those verbs that start with U to describe a person. Try and use these U verbs in your speech and writing to describe people around you.
1. Upset
- Definition: make someone unhappy, disappointed, or worried
- Synonyms: discomfort, bother
- Example: Jim’s accusation upset her.
2. Underestimate
- Definition: estimate something to be smaller or less important than it really is
- Synonyms: underrate, undervalue
- Example: Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion.
3. Urge
- Definition: to encourage someone strongly to do something or to ask that something be done
- Synonyms: encourage, exhort
- Example: We urge you to adopt all necessary measures to guarantee people’s safety.
4. Unwind
- Definition: to relax and allow your mind to be free from worry after a period of work or some other activity that has made you worried
- Synonyms: loosen, relax
- Example: The Grand Hotel is a superb place to unwind.
5. Upbear
- Definition: to bear up; raise aloft; sustain or support.
- Synonyms: support, raise
- Example: Samra has been upbearing that fool for a long time now.
6. Undergo
- Definition: experience or be subjected to (something, typically something unpleasant or arduous)
- Synonyms: endure, experience, feel
- Example: You may have to undergo disappointment and failure before experiencing success.
7. Unman
- Definition: deprive of qualities traditionally associated with men, such as self-control or courage
- Synonyms: undo, unnerve, unstring
- Example: The death sentence will unman the stoutest heart.
8. Unbenumb
- Definition: to relieve of numbness; to restore sensation to
- Synonyms: reinstate, restore, revitalize
- Example: If it wasn’t for John, nobody would have been able to unbenumb my broken spirit.
9. Unnerve
- Definition: make someone lose courage or confidence
- Synonyms: demoralize, emasculate, paralyze
- Example: The journey over the bridge had unnerved me.
10. Undertake
- Definition: commit oneself to and begin an enterprise or responsibility; take on
- Synonyms: accept, assume, bear
- Example: They are willing to undertake a new enterprise.
Verbs That Start with U – Full List (124 Words)
It is time for us to revise what we went through in this article. The following list of verbs that start with U contains all the verbs we have learnt so far and some more U verbs that you may need.
- Unload
- Unscrew
- Uninstall
- Unleash
- Unbelt
- Unpick
- Unbutton
- Unbalance
- Untie
- Usher
- Unlock
- Unhinge
- Unjoin
- Unveil
- Unstitch
- Unsettle
- Unseal
- Unthread
- Unnail
- Unbridle
- Unbuckle
- Unpack
- Unbind
- Unharness
- Understand
- Urbanize
- Undulate
- Unhitch
- Utilize
- Uncloak
- Uncurl
- Underwrite
- Underrate
- Unbias
- Unclothe
- Untangle
- Unfreeze
- Use
- Usurp
- Undeceive
- Understudy
- Unfetter
- Unwind
- Unswaddle
- Underlay
- Unfold
- Unravel
- Unman
- Unmask
- Uncrate
- Uproot
- Unstring
- Unbolt
- Unseat
- Undermine
- Urinate
- Unbar
- Unsubscribe
- Unsolder
- Unbraid
- Upsell
- Unify
- Upset
- Unsaddle
- Unwrap
- Unmuzzle
- Unbewitch
- Unanchor
- Unfasten
- Unionize
- Unearth
- Undergo
- Unfurl
- Unclog
- Unplug
- Unplait
- Up
- Undo
- Upholster
- Undomesticate
- Unpleat
- Unlearn
- Uncover
- Undress
- Uplift
- Undervalue
- Upbear
- Unbox
- Underscore
- Upload
- Utter
- Unstick
- Underestimate
- Unnerve
- Ulcerate
- Underfong
- Upend
- Uphold
- Uncork
- Unroll
- Undercut
- Undertake
- Uncoil
- Universalize
- Upgrade
- Upcheer
- Unconfound
- Unbenumb
- Underline
- Unknot
- Unlace
- Underbid
- Update
- Uncouple
- Underbear
- Unite
- Upstand
- Unburden
- Urge
- Unshackle
- Unbethink
- Unhook
- Undersell
- Untwist
Final Thoughts on Verbs That Start with U
You might be a little confused after finishing the list of verbs that start with U given above. You might be wondering that why most of these verbs starting with U seemed to have similar meanings.
You are absolutely right. Most of these verbs that begin with U do convey the similar meaning but you must remember one thing that each one of these verbs is used under specific condition with specific subjects. So think twice before using them into your own phrases and sentences because you can easily mix them up.
Now that you know that these verbs that start with U are of tricky nature, you must go through them at least a couple of times to grasp them properly.
